Jack russell advice required

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Hi.

I have just found myself in a very unusual situation. Due to a series of very unexpected circumstances I have found myself as of today with a 4 year old male Jack Russell.

I have never owned a dog, I have little experience of dogs and the reason why I now have this one is becuase he was originally a rescue dog belonging to a pair owned by a very good friend of mine. I am therefore known to both dogs but not in a particularly hands on capacity.

Unfortunately, I think pre rescue home they had had a difficult life as they were very timid, stuck to their knew owner (my friend) like glue and also did this trembling thing. Over the last year under my friends "ownership" they have flourished although one of the dogs (not the one I have) became more and more aggressive picking on his sibling and most recently on other dogs too. It has been particularly vicious on occasion. I have witnessed it once and - well I am sure Jack russell owners will know what I mean.

Anyway, my friend became seriously ill and we decided to split them (the pair of dogs) up and look to find them new homes as my friend couldn't cope and nobody wanted the dogs to injure each other or worse.

Today I was expecting to drop them off at a re homing centre but there have been various crossed wires so that did not happen. I have spoken to the RSPCA and they have been very helpful and have said that when they find a home of have a "vacancy" they will be happy to take them.

In the meantime we have found a temporary home for the more feisty one (with someone who is experienced with Jack Russells) and I have taken the other one. There was literally nobody else to turn to.

It is only planned to be temporary but since I got him home he has stuck to me and just curled up wherever I am. I work from home and we have a garden. Also two children aged 8 and 12.

The 12 year old is desparate for a dog. She gets £15 a month pocket money but even since she saw the Dogs trust advert on the TV she asked if £5 per month of it can be donated to them which we do.

So this situation does have potential however I have been all over the internet looking for advice and quite a lot says, if you are inexperienced do not get a Jack Russell.

I know nothing of his background except the last year but he is absolutely gorgeous. He's only 4 and been passed from pillar to post and its heart wrenching.

However, I know that feeling sorry for a dog doesnt mean that we are the best place for him.

Can anyone suggest any advice? is keeping him an option at all? Part of me thinks how hard can it be - where there is a will there is a way and the other part of me is trying to be practical after reading some quite harsh posts about why JR's are not suitable first dogs.

He has started doing that trembling thing again too so he is obviously and understandably unsettled.

All advice gratefully received. We just want to do what is best for him.

 

[Oreo]

Well done you for taking him on. What a lovely thing to do.

I think your biggest issue here is that if he stays more than one night you may have difficulty telling the 12 year old that he isn't stopping permanently.

That however is up to you and I am sure you will make a decision based on what is best for the little dog.

Firstly, just in case you decide to keep the dog I would get him and yourself into a routine and stick to it. Most dogs like routine it makes them feel safe, they feel safer with what they know. So by that I mean, he has set meal times, is he allowed on the sofa, if not he needs to be told so that he knows where his boundaries are. His bed time is important, make sure he goes outside before bed, and also if you want him to sleep downstairs he stays there the whole night even if he cries.

If you can get through the first few days setting this routine he will slowly come round to his true self. If you change your mind regarding things he will panic and go back into his shell. So whatever you decide regarding the above needs to be stuck too at the very least until he is settled.

When I bring a dog home for the first time the first place I go is the back garden. I wait for the dog to sniff around and go to the toilet and praise them straight away. This means the dog assosicates happy praise with toilet outside straight away. He may have a few accidents but your setting your rules out straight away.

Does he have a place to call his own? A bed or a crate is great. Not for punishment but for his own little space to escape if he needs to relax.

Maybe a cuddly toy for him to snuggle to at night and also one of your old t-shirts is also good too as it means they can smell you in there own bed.

Food is important as you want him to be healthy however while he is settling in a few more extra treats for his good behaviour won't do any harm.

I hope some of the above helps a little.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[whippetsrus]

Having two Jack Russell's myself, I think the best piece of advice I can offer is that they need a firm hand and flourish when they know their place. They are delightful little dogs, are very clever and in the case of my two eager to please. They are full of character and will fit into family life wonderfully. There is no reason why you canno own a jack Russell with children as long as you all use the same rules.

From what you say he seems already to have made himself at home and the fact you have split the pair seems to have worked for the better. Jack Russell's are very obedient dogs but will take "the mick" and be very naughty if they know they can get away with it.

 

[TTT]

Good luck with keeping him. Remember it is a dog - treat it like a dog, not a baby. Get yourself a crate and make good use of it - make sure the children respect the dog, know when to stop rough play etc before it gets out of hand. Get the whole family along to a good dog training club to

make sure everyone knows how to treat the dog and that the dog is encouraged to develop good manners and be social and confident. Good luck - they are big personalities in small packages - I love them!!!

 

[lurcherman]

its good you work from home you can see if theres any changes in the dog as a new beginning again is not easy for the dog. jacks can be snappy little things so watch the children at this early stage, saying all that all dogs need love. what are you like for exersizing the dog? that could be another bond with the two of you. the main point is do you want a dog? do your research amd i hope you make the right decision. best of luck.

 

[hanneroon]

Congratulations!!! I bloody love jack russells! They are champion little dogs, very doggy little dogs, and fairly easy to read, body language wise. I also believe in fate for this kind of thing, and whatever happens over the next few days or weeks, you've done a good thing for today, so well done!

The reason you may have found a few posts or whatever about jrt's being not suitable for a first timer, is probably because though small, they are working breed, and still very close to their working ancestry. You see many jack russells who have gone a bit crazy through boredom, as people don't realise they need lots of stimulation, they aren't really a lap-dog, although they are affectionate. Basically they were bred to catch vermin, so they are wily, clever, courageous, fast, and maybe a bit snappy, but then so are lots of breeds, its about reading the signals, and treating them well.

You are probably reading those posts and worrying about your kids right? But they are of a good age and old enough to understand about not teasing him, or crowding him or whatever, and your eldest sounds absolutely lovely and kind!

I would do a deal with that girl, explain the little dog may only be staying for a little while, and that you all want whats best for him, and see how she does, regards taking some responsibility for him. you may find he fits right in and it is impossible to let go of him, if the rspca ever get back to you.

You know him a little already, and at four years, he should be reasonably settled temperament wise. As long as he knows his place in the family and you are able to help him to socialise with some friendly dogs, and keep him occupied, he should be a great little addition!

Good luck!

P.s. Try not to fuss him too much over the trembling, it is a bit of a jack russell thing, and if you even think 'sorry for him' thoughts, he'll know, and he won't stop. Whippets are tremblers, if people act soppy over mine when he does it, he adds a teeth chatter too, and really gets in a state!

 

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Thanks for so many positive responses and useful bits of advice. We are at the end of day one. Thought I would supply a bit of an update. My eldest daughter has, as you might expect, fallen head over heals for him. But I have told her that his stay might be short even though I don't know how this is going to pan out at the moment.

We took him for a massive walk this afternoon and he seemed totally disinterested in anything other than rummaging in the undergrowth so his 7m lead was more of a hinderance than a help. When we walked past a labrador and he didnt bat an eyelid I thought - in for a penny in for a pound and took the lead off. He loved it and was happy off it for 30 mins or so and was easy to get back on his lead.

Disinterested in other dogs but i wouldn't want to be a rabbit when he's around. And boy dont they dig!!!

I got him home and put him in the bath and showered off the mud - he wasn't that bothered by that either although it was obvious he would have preferred it if I wasnt doing it.

I've done one thing badly and that is let him on the sofa. I was told he either goes on or off but not to let him on one day and then tell him he can't the next. I am not being a pushover though (well except that) and have a tone that when I adopt it he seems to know straight away to do what he's told (ish)

My biggest worry is nights as he has always been allowed to sleep in his owners bed (well for the last year) and I don't want that. I will be closing the door on the lounge tonight and he will be expected to sleep in his basket. Not sure how this will go. I am hoping that the fact that his brother won't be bullying him will make up for the loss of a human bed. We shall see. :- )

My other concern is that despite working from home my wife works long hours away from home and i have to go to meetings on occasions that would potentially mean he might be left alone for 4 - 5 hours.

This will be a rarity but until I can see how he copes with night times and shorter absences I won't know how he is going to react and if it is fair on him. What do other people think on this? Is it fair, not fair or to be judged on a dog by dog basis?

He is currently asleep in his bed on his back with his legs in the air. Credit where credit is due - he is playing every single cute card in the book. :- )

Thanks again for the advice and positive comments so far.

 

[hanneroon]

he sounds great!!! He's probably very relieved to get a bit of space from the bully and let out a bit of tension doing terrier things!

4-5 hours is the reccomended longest time to leave an adult dog, between loo breaks, but some do leave them for longer. I'd say that sounds fine. With any dog, you would judge it as to how long you think they are comfy with and build up incrementally or whatever. It is healthy to let them be alone for a bit!

Letting him on the sofa's fine, you got to be able to cuddle the little fella and he is short, just make sure he moves if you ask him to! So glad you're happy to let him dig! I didn't want to add that to the list above!

Also he will just have to get used to sleeping not in a human bed. He could've been at a rescue centre, so your house is much better than that! Its like the sofa thing, it will just be a rule and thats that. Maybe stick a hot water bottle in with him or something if he seems really worried, getting him tired will help too. He will be fine tho, so don't worry. Its sensible too, its his first night away, and he's not bonded fully with you yet, he will get used to it as he will all the new things.

Good luck !

 

[eingana]

Well done on doing what you can for this little one

There are plain sailing dogs of every breed just as much as there are challenging dogs of every breed, and it's quite possible that this little one is one of the plain sailing ones. However, it's also possible that you aren't seeing his true behaviour yet because you're only on day one.

Revisit this one in 6 weeks when he's sure that he lives with you and has started relaxing his good boy behaviour Not that you're automatically going to get any problems, but if you're going to have them they aren't likely to happen today.

As others have said, make rules and stick to them from day one. If he's not sleeping in the bed with you then make sure he understands the rules you're expecting him to follow and he'll get the hang of it. The important thing is not to back down from your rules so he knows just what he's meant to do and what he's not allowed to do.

When you have to leave him just make sure that he's had plenty of exercise and is in wherever you leave him overnight with plenty of toys and maybe leave the radio on him so he can hear a human voice to cover up background noises, and he'll be fine.

Keep on keeping on

 

[lurcherman]

he seems a great dog so best of luck. one thing i was surprised at was you letting the dog off lead on the first day wih you by luck it turned out ok could have been a disaster but hey ho. hope things go well.

 

[interflow]

he seems a great dog so best of luck. one thing i was surprised at was you letting the dog off lead on the first day wih you by luck it turned out ok could have been a disaster but hey ho. hope things go well.

I was aware for the potential for disaster hence the purchase of a 7m lead. As I mentioned I had been for walks with both dogs with the previous owner and she always let them off the lead without problems - well except the problems they had with each other.

I had no intention of removing the lead but he was desparate to rummage in the bushes and the lead was getting tangled up all over the place.

It was a gamble though you are right and I'm glad it paid off too. Thanks for the good wishes.

he seems a great dog so best of luck. one thing i was surprised at was you letting the dog off lead on the first day wih you by luck it turned out ok could have been a disaster but hey ho. hope things go well.

I was aware for the potential for disaster hence the purchase of a 7m lead. As I mentioned I had been for walks with both dogs with the previous owner and she always let them off the lead without problems - well except the problems they had with each other.

I had no intention of removing the lead but he was desparate to rummage in the bushes and the lead was getting tangled up all over the place.

It was a gamble though you are right and I'm glad it paid off too. Thanks for the good wishes.

 

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Day 2 - Here he is! (I won't clog up your board every day with posts but everyone was so helpful and positive yesterday and it's hard not to be "proud" isn't it?)

 

[hanneroon]

aaw he's lovely! Clog up all you like!

 

[Oreo]

You carry on! I love to see pictures.

We had a Jack Russel when we were kids (two actually) and the one in the picture looks like him except Ben was a huge fat thing and couldn't run!

Probably why I am so obsessed at keeping my dogs weight just right now lol

 

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I am very minded of the post yesterday about how he will be on his best behaviour right now and that any naughty streaks might surface when he gets a bit more settled but he is just fitting in so well.

There are still practicalities that we have no idea how we are going to deal with (we have a week away in Portugal at the end of next month for example).

Maybe I am over thinking it but I don't lkke the idea of kennells in case he thinks he is being deserted again. I'm sure there are other options and I'm spending this afternoon looking into those.

 

[hanneroon]

any chance you could get someone to house/dogsit, while you are away? I see you're in Hove, i'm at the marina brighton! i'd do it if my dog wasn't such a bugger, he'd be bullying yours too! If you get really stuck i'll help you work something out.

 

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Blimey. Small world. ) Thank you for the offer. We do have some options I am sure. I just havent quite worked out what they are yet. THe last two days have been a whirlwind.

As he becomes more settled with us we will have a better idea of what he does and doesn't like in terms of other people, other animals, other children etc. That in itself will give us more options.

He seems to be a completly different dog now he is away from his brother. This time yesterday he looked terrified and would not let me out of his sight. Today his tail is wagging and his best friend is anyone in the house who happens to be eating something that looks tasty.

 

[whippetsrus]

Hi

I work from home and have found that when I am going to be away, provided they have a good walk beforehand they are happy to be left for four/five hours no problem. You have already said that he is in his basket fast asleep legs in the air whilst you are there. He obviously does not feel the need to have you around every minute. If you are worried perhaps introducing him to a dog walker who would come in half way through these occasional absences might be the way to go. By the sounds of things he is settling in well and will probably surprise you at how adaptable he is.

With regards to sleeping arrangements, I appreciate no everyone wants a dog in their bed. However, that is what he is used to and you may find that moving him a great distance away from you immediately does not work. If not, perhaps his bed at the side of yours and then as his confidence grows move the bed further away until you have an agreeable sleeping arrangement.

Jack Russell's are generally confident little dogs who have character far larger than the small size that they are. They ae extremely tough, happy little dogs. I think given chance to settle in to is surroundings he will happily fit into your family lifestyle.

Just to say the little black jack Russell in the photo beneath this post slept in his own bed in the kitchen from day one and never uttered at sound even at eight weeks. We were amazed.

 

[eingana]

He looks a right little character, and I'm sure that you will get used to having a small furry shadow in just a few weeks

With a bit of luck at the same time he'll be coming out of his shell and will be winding you around his little paw in just as short a time.

 

[Rosie33]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum, but I have owned Jack Russells and Parson Russells for forty years now, although I just have the one now, my JR girl, Rosie, also four years old.

They can be wilful and do need firm rules and assertive handling at times, but they're also the most affectionate and loyal little dogs. They do need a lot of exercise .............. my Rosie has between one and a half and two hours every day, split into two walks. As long as she has that, she is no trouble at all in the house.

There's no reason why you shouldn't have one for a first dog.

They are terriers though and some of them have a very strong prey drive instinct and will chase squirrels, rabbits, birds, etc., so do be careful about allowing him off lead, especially if anywhere near a road or where he could get down a rabbit hole.

He must be so relieved to be away from his Brother though and he will start to show more of his character as he relaxes in his new home.

I really hope it works out for you. I have had my hairy moments with them over the years, but I adore the breed and couldn't imagine being without one.